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The Mad Widows: A Novel
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Expected 9 Mar 27Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 15:38:06
50 copies available
U.S. only
From the screenwriter behind The Hangover and Bad Moms, a widows' bereavement group begins to suspect one husband isn’t actually dead and launch into a "reverse murder mystery" to uncover whether he faked his death, all while trying not to get killed in the process. Perfect for fans of Laura Dave, Jennifer Weiner, and Richard Osman.
Kate Copeland, widow, mother of two, is barely keeping it together—coffee-stained sweatpants, Goldfish crackers for dinner, and a check engine light she's been ignoring for six months. The one bright spot in her life is a tight-knit group of widows who regularly get together to share camaraderie, shoulders to cry on, and plenty of coffee and white wine.
Things are going fine—well, as fine as things can go for people with a gaping hole in their lives—until one of the widows begins to suspect her husband isn’t actually dead. The women suddenly find themselves thrust into a "reverse murder mystery." Is he alive or not?!
Chasing clues, they leave the cul-de-sacs of suburbia for swanky bars, exclusive private clubs, and mansions they could never afford even if they pooled their money. But the deeper Kate digs, the more a new question haunts could her own husband still be alive?
Desperate for answers, the women navigate charming private investigators, dangerously good-looking bachelors, and actual criminals, all while doing their best not to get themselves killed.
So, grab a mug of coffee, or better yet, a crisp Chardonnay, and meet The Mad Widows.
Kate Copeland, widow, mother of two, is barely keeping it together—coffee-stained sweatpants, Goldfish crackers for dinner, and a check engine light she's been ignoring for six months. The one bright spot in her life is a tight-knit group of widows who regularly get together to share camaraderie, shoulders to cry on, and plenty of coffee and white wine.
Things are going fine—well, as fine as things can go for people with a gaping hole in their lives—until one of the widows begins to suspect her husband isn’t actually dead. The women suddenly find themselves thrust into a "reverse murder mystery." Is he alive or not?!
Chasing clues, they leave the cul-de-sacs of suburbia for swanky bars, exclusive private clubs, and mansions they could never afford even if they pooled their money. But the deeper Kate digs, the more a new question haunts could her own husband still be alive?
Desperate for answers, the women navigate charming private investigators, dangerously good-looking bachelors, and actual criminals, all while doing their best not to get themselves killed.
So, grab a mug of coffee, or better yet, a crisp Chardonnay, and meet The Mad Widows.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 9, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
September 24, 2026
4.5⭐️ rounded up
When I first saw the title of this book, I assumed that it was going to about a group of women in their 60s+ who lost their spouses due to their age.
It’s actually about four women in their 30s and 40s:
-Kate is the FMC. She’s coping with suddenly and unexpectedly becoming a single mother to two young children.
-Jenn comes from a very wealthy family but is quiet about it and not at all ostentatious. She has a heart of gold and works for a veterinarian.
-Molly is the lesbian in the group. She wears plaid shirts nearly everyday and while she isn’t ready to be in another relationship, she’s very fond of casual fun.
-Darlene is the influencer type in the group. She’s on every social media platform and spends too much time on them.
The women met at a grief support group led by their therapist, and gradually started their own small, more intimate group at a coffee shop where they meet twice a week.
Strange things start to happen and they end up becoming amateur detectives in suburbia.
This was a fast and very entertaining read for me.
I stayed up later than I usually do reading this because I quickly got sucked into everyone’s story and didn’t want to stop reading.
I’d describe this book as a mystery with a lot of humor and a little romance thrown in.
It had a great ending, and one of the characters really surprised me as I had completely misjudged the person.
The author of this book, Scott Moore, was also the screenwriter of Bad Moms and The Hangover.
I don’t always read afterwords in books, but I’m glad that I did read it in this one, because his was really great!
Thanks to Gallery Books for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.
When I first saw the title of this book, I assumed that it was going to about a group of women in their 60s+ who lost their spouses due to their age.
It’s actually about four women in their 30s and 40s:
-Kate is the FMC. She’s coping with suddenly and unexpectedly becoming a single mother to two young children.
-Jenn comes from a very wealthy family but is quiet about it and not at all ostentatious. She has a heart of gold and works for a veterinarian.
-Molly is the lesbian in the group. She wears plaid shirts nearly everyday and while she isn’t ready to be in another relationship, she’s very fond of casual fun.
-Darlene is the influencer type in the group. She’s on every social media platform and spends too much time on them.
The women met at a grief support group led by their therapist, and gradually started their own small, more intimate group at a coffee shop where they meet twice a week.
Strange things start to happen and they end up becoming amateur detectives in suburbia.
This was a fast and very entertaining read for me.
I stayed up later than I usually do reading this because I quickly got sucked into everyone’s story and didn’t want to stop reading.
I’d describe this book as a mystery with a lot of humor and a little romance thrown in.
It had a great ending, and one of the characters really surprised me as I had completely misjudged the person.
The author of this book, Scott Moore, was also the screenwriter of Bad Moms and The Hangover.
I don’t always read afterwords in books, but I’m glad that I did read it in this one, because his was really great!
Thanks to Gallery Books for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have a feeling this book is going to make an absolutely delightful streaming series someday, preferably with a cast of women who can deliver one-liners while holding oversized wine glasses and making questionable life choices. Think The First Wives Club crashed into a murder board, invited Richard Osman for cocktails, and accidentally wandered onto the set of Bad Moms.
And honestly? I was sold the second I read the words reverse murder mystery.
Because let's face it: "Who killed him?" has been done a thousand times. But "Wait...what if he's not dead?" Now we're talking.
Kate Copeland is my kind of hot mess. She's grieving, exhausted, surviving on caffeine and crumbs left by her children, and trying to function like an adult while her brain is permanently running on low battery mode. Frankly, I felt seen. If someone had told me my supposedly dead husband might still be walking around somewhere while I was folding laundry and pretending I had my life together, I probably would've spilled my Chardonnay all over the evidence board.
What I enjoyed most wasn't even the mystery itself—though it absolutely kept me turning pages—it was watching these women navigate grief together. Widowhood isn't exactly marketed as a fun club to join, but somehow Scott Moore manages to find humor in the darkest places without ever making light of loss. That's not an easy balancing act.
The friendships were my favorite part. There's something immensely comforting about a group of women who will support your emotional breakdown one minute and help you investigate potential crimes the next. Every person deserves friends willing to say, "This sounds like a terrible idea...what time are we leaving?"
The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace with enough twists to keep me invested, and I particularly enjoyed the dark comedic tone sprinkled throughout the story. It felt cinematic—which isn't surprising considering Moore's screenwriting background. I could practically hear the soundtrack during some scenes and picture the camera cutting between suburban kitchens, fancy clubs, and increasingly panicked widows asking questions they probably shouldn't be asking.
Was everything entirely believable? Absolutely not.
Did I care? Also absolutely not.
Sometimes I don't need realism. Sometimes I need a bunch of grieving women with determination issues, a dangerous mystery, attractive distractions, and enough chaos to make me postpone my household responsibilities. This book delivered exactly that.
I will admit I wanted a bit more time with some of the supporting characters because the widows themselves are such an entertaining bunch that I greedily wanted all their stories. And while I guessed a few pieces before the reveal, I still had a blast getting there.
Overall, The Mad Widows is an entertaining blend of mystery, friendship, grief, and dark humor that reminds us life doesn't stop after loss—it just gets weirder. Much, much weirder.
And if my future book club doesn't involve solving crimes while drinking white wine and making questionable decisions, I would like to file a formal complaint.
4 stars. Grab your coffee. Or your Chardonnay. Preferably both.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for sharing this smart thriller with entertaining dark comedy vibes with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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And honestly? I was sold the second I read the words reverse murder mystery.
Because let's face it: "Who killed him?" has been done a thousand times. But "Wait...what if he's not dead?" Now we're talking.
Kate Copeland is my kind of hot mess. She's grieving, exhausted, surviving on caffeine and crumbs left by her children, and trying to function like an adult while her brain is permanently running on low battery mode. Frankly, I felt seen. If someone had told me my supposedly dead husband might still be walking around somewhere while I was folding laundry and pretending I had my life together, I probably would've spilled my Chardonnay all over the evidence board.
What I enjoyed most wasn't even the mystery itself—though it absolutely kept me turning pages—it was watching these women navigate grief together. Widowhood isn't exactly marketed as a fun club to join, but somehow Scott Moore manages to find humor in the darkest places without ever making light of loss. That's not an easy balancing act.
The friendships were my favorite part. There's something immensely comforting about a group of women who will support your emotional breakdown one minute and help you investigate potential crimes the next. Every person deserves friends willing to say, "This sounds like a terrible idea...what time are we leaving?"
The mystery unfolds at a brisk pace with enough twists to keep me invested, and I particularly enjoyed the dark comedic tone sprinkled throughout the story. It felt cinematic—which isn't surprising considering Moore's screenwriting background. I could practically hear the soundtrack during some scenes and picture the camera cutting between suburban kitchens, fancy clubs, and increasingly panicked widows asking questions they probably shouldn't be asking.
Was everything entirely believable? Absolutely not.
Did I care? Also absolutely not.
Sometimes I don't need realism. Sometimes I need a bunch of grieving women with determination issues, a dangerous mystery, attractive distractions, and enough chaos to make me postpone my household responsibilities. This book delivered exactly that.
I will admit I wanted a bit more time with some of the supporting characters because the widows themselves are such an entertaining bunch that I greedily wanted all their stories. And while I guessed a few pieces before the reveal, I still had a blast getting there.
Overall, The Mad Widows is an entertaining blend of mystery, friendship, grief, and dark humor that reminds us life doesn't stop after loss—it just gets weirder. Much, much weirder.
And if my future book club doesn't involve solving crimes while drinking white wine and making questionable decisions, I would like to file a formal complaint.
4 stars. Grab your coffee. Or your Chardonnay. Preferably both.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for sharing this smart thriller with entertaining dark comedy vibes with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a super entertaining story with a lot of heart and sass.
The writing is sharp, and surprisingly emotional. I found this to be a great description of grief without losing any humour.
I had a fantastic time.
Thank you Gallery Books for this ARC!
The writing is sharp, and surprisingly emotional. I found this to be a great description of grief without losing any humour.
I had a fantastic time.
Thank you Gallery Books for this ARC!
August 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Scout Press, and Scott Moore for the ARC of The Mad Widows!
I had SO much fun with this book! I went into The Mad Widows not really knowing what to expect, and it completely pulled me in. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way, but the ending…WOW. That final twist was one I genuinely did NOT see coming. I love when a book can surprise me, and this one absolutely got me!
The characters were messy, complicated, and definitely not always likable, which made them so much more interesting to read about. There was also just enough dark humor mixed in with the suspense to keep me turning the pages.
And now I’m REALLY excited about the possibility of this becoming a TV adaptation. I can already see this working so well on screen, and I will absolutely be watching if it happens!
A fun, twisty, unpredictable thriller with an ending that totally got me. Five stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I had SO much fun with this book! I went into The Mad Widows not really knowing what to expect, and it completely pulled me in. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way, but the ending…WOW. That final twist was one I genuinely did NOT see coming. I love when a book can surprise me, and this one absolutely got me!
The characters were messy, complicated, and definitely not always likable, which made them so much more interesting to read about. There was also just enough dark humor mixed in with the suspense to keep me turning the pages.
And now I’m REALLY excited about the possibility of this becoming a TV adaptation. I can already see this working so well on screen, and I will absolutely be watching if it happens!
A fun, twisty, unpredictable thriller with an ending that totally got me. Five stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 30, 2026
The Mad Widows was such an entertaining and oddly funny read! It’s a quick, engaging mystery with a great mix of humor, friendship, and some more emotional moments. I enjoyed how the story could be lighthearted while still exploring grief, loss, and what it means to figure out who you are after your life changes in ways you never expected.
The ending was a little predictable for me, but I still really enjoyed the journey getting there.
The parts about grief especially resonated with me right now. While my experience with grief hasn’t been through death, I’m going through the grief of divorce and the loss of a marriage, a family life, and a future I once imagined for myself. There’s something very true about the idea that grief isn’t something we simply “get over.” Sometimes it’s learning to carry the love, memories, sadness, and change with you while figuring out how to move forward.
One passage that really stayed with me was the reminder that “grief is not a problem to solve; it’s a lifelong process of carrying love and loss.” That felt especially meaningful. The sadness may not completely disappear, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing grief wrong. Sometimes the sadness is simply evidence that something mattered deeply.
I also appreciated what Scott Moore shared in the acknowledgements about his hope that someone going through their own personal hell would read this novel and “feel seen, feel a little less alone, and feel a little better.” That really struck me. Grief can feel incredibly isolating, regardless of what caused the loss, and I appreciated that this book offered a reminder that you’re not necessarily supposed to have everything figured out—you just keep moving forward.
Overall, a fun, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny read that flew by. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheMadWidows #ScottMoore #NetGalley #BookReview #Goodreads
The ending was a little predictable for me, but I still really enjoyed the journey getting there.
The parts about grief especially resonated with me right now. While my experience with grief hasn’t been through death, I’m going through the grief of divorce and the loss of a marriage, a family life, and a future I once imagined for myself. There’s something very true about the idea that grief isn’t something we simply “get over.” Sometimes it’s learning to carry the love, memories, sadness, and change with you while figuring out how to move forward.
One passage that really stayed with me was the reminder that “grief is not a problem to solve; it’s a lifelong process of carrying love and loss.” That felt especially meaningful. The sadness may not completely disappear, but that doesn’t mean you’re doing grief wrong. Sometimes the sadness is simply evidence that something mattered deeply.
I also appreciated what Scott Moore shared in the acknowledgements about his hope that someone going through their own personal hell would read this novel and “feel seen, feel a little less alone, and feel a little better.” That really struck me. Grief can feel incredibly isolating, regardless of what caused the loss, and I appreciated that this book offered a reminder that you’re not necessarily supposed to have everything figured out—you just keep moving forward.
Overall, a fun, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny read that flew by. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
#TheMadWidows #ScottMoore #NetGalley #BookReview #Goodreads
September 3, 2026
An absolute BANGER!! The Mad Widows was such a fun and twisty read. It gave total, captivating murder-mystery girl-power vibes. I knew there was a chance it would be good because it was written by Scott Moore, a co-creator of Bad Moms and The Hangover. However, that could have gone both ways because I put a lot of pressure on the book to be good, and if it didn't live up to my expectations, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much.
Loveddd ittt!!
Loveddd ittt!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A Grief ✨Comedy✨
What begins as a quasi-reverse murder mystery investigation turns into an actual murder mystery for husbands that should be long dead.
The Mad Widows aren't just a little crazed since the death of their husbands- and who wouldn't be after shocking news, an immediate demand for 1,000 tragic questions, slew of terrible, unrequested advice and "compassion", and taking over their home and family life solo? Out of their minds? Yeah. For sure. Passionate and a little bit reckless? Also yes. These woman, branded by death and suffering, a club no one wants access to, have formed their own hot mess group "therapy". The Bummer Brigade is a little cluster of chaos and humor until one of them is convinced their husband is still topside... and she has the receipts to prove it.
Trauma? ✅
Exhausted? ✅
Emotionally unbalanced? ✅
Logically acute? ...
Kate Copeland leads The Mad Widows as both orphan and widow, mother of two, and one breakdown short of a 51/50 hold. While stuck in this limbo of mourning and moving on, Kate grabs on to the possibility that a husband may be alive like a lifeline and puts everything she has into the investigation until the bitter end. What follows the trauma is a hilarious romp full of red herrings, intimidation, threats, breaking and entering, acting, corruption, death, and even a chase scene that will have you laugh out loud. Moore does a fabulous job honoring those of us who struggling with loss and depression while also bringing mirth and entertainment to the masses. What a fun distraction from this broken world!
Tropes: family trauma, amateur sleuth, lgbt, red herring, secret shadow society, chase scene, big reveal!
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 5/5 👀
Triggers: death of a spouse (off page), intimidation, violent threats, b&e, arson, murder
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
What begins as a quasi-reverse murder mystery investigation turns into an actual murder mystery for husbands that should be long dead.
The Mad Widows aren't just a little crazed since the death of their husbands- and who wouldn't be after shocking news, an immediate demand for 1,000 tragic questions, slew of terrible, unrequested advice and "compassion", and taking over their home and family life solo? Out of their minds? Yeah. For sure. Passionate and a little bit reckless? Also yes. These woman, branded by death and suffering, a club no one wants access to, have formed their own hot mess group "therapy". The Bummer Brigade is a little cluster of chaos and humor until one of them is convinced their husband is still topside... and she has the receipts to prove it.
Trauma? ✅
Exhausted? ✅
Emotionally unbalanced? ✅
Logically acute? ...
Kate Copeland leads The Mad Widows as both orphan and widow, mother of two, and one breakdown short of a 51/50 hold. While stuck in this limbo of mourning and moving on, Kate grabs on to the possibility that a husband may be alive like a lifeline and puts everything she has into the investigation until the bitter end. What follows the trauma is a hilarious romp full of red herrings, intimidation, threats, breaking and entering, acting, corruption, death, and even a chase scene that will have you laugh out loud. Moore does a fabulous job honoring those of us who struggling with loss and depression while also bringing mirth and entertainment to the masses. What a fun distraction from this broken world!
Tropes: family trauma, amateur sleuth, lgbt, red herring, secret shadow society, chase scene, big reveal!
Spice: 2/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸
Language: 5/5 👀
Triggers: death of a spouse (off page), intimidation, violent threats, b&e, arson, murder
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This reverse murder mystery had me in such a chokehold, I finished it in one night.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Copeland’s husband passed away and she’s adjusting to life without him. Everything is going as well as it possibly could. She’s getting the hang of school drop off, packing the lunches, and has made four relatively new widow friends that understand what she’s going through. Everything is going well until strange things start happening to Jenn around the house and she suspects her husband has faked his own death.
I found myself rooting for this tight knit group of widows throughout the entire book. I just loved Kate and Jenn’s friendship. They had each other’s backs and were so loyal to one another. They are true girls-girls!
The Mad Widows navigates the heavy topic of loss and grief throughout the entire book. I have experienced my own fair share of loss within the past 3 years. This book gave me the space to laugh and cry and at the end of the day, a good laugh and a good cry is healing for us all!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Scott Moore for the ARC! I highly recommend this reverse murder mystery!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kate Copeland’s husband passed away and she’s adjusting to life without him. Everything is going as well as it possibly could. She’s getting the hang of school drop off, packing the lunches, and has made four relatively new widow friends that understand what she’s going through. Everything is going well until strange things start happening to Jenn around the house and she suspects her husband has faked his own death.
I found myself rooting for this tight knit group of widows throughout the entire book. I just loved Kate and Jenn’s friendship. They had each other’s backs and were so loyal to one another. They are true girls-girls!
The Mad Widows navigates the heavy topic of loss and grief throughout the entire book. I have experienced my own fair share of loss within the past 3 years. This book gave me the space to laugh and cry and at the end of the day, a good laugh and a good cry is healing for us all!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and Scott Moore for the ARC! I highly recommend this reverse murder mystery!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mad Widows was exactly the kind of book I needed: fast, funny, a little ridiculous, and completely entertaining.
What I loved most was the way Scott Moore balances comedy with some genuinely difficult subject matter. These women have been through real heartbreak and tragedy, yet the story never treats them as fragile or broken. Instead, they stumble forward the way many people do in real life, laughing one minute and crying the next. The humor doesn't erase the pain, but it reminds us that it's okay to find joy, absurdity, and even laughter while working through grief.
And speaking of laughter...there were so many laugh-out-loud moments for me. I found myself flying through the pages just to see what outrageous thing would happen next.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read was that the plot occasionally stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far. There were a few twists and turns where I thought, "Okay, that's a bit of a reach." But honestly, the characters and humor were so much fun that I was willing to go along for the ride.
Now somebody please turn this into a movie or mini-series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
What I loved most was the way Scott Moore balances comedy with some genuinely difficult subject matter. These women have been through real heartbreak and tragedy, yet the story never treats them as fragile or broken. Instead, they stumble forward the way many people do in real life, laughing one minute and crying the next. The humor doesn't erase the pain, but it reminds us that it's okay to find joy, absurdity, and even laughter while working through grief.
And speaking of laughter...there were so many laugh-out-loud moments for me. I found myself flying through the pages just to see what outrageous thing would happen next.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read was that the plot occasionally stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far. There were a few twists and turns where I thought, "Okay, that's a bit of a reach." But honestly, the characters and humor were so much fun that I was willing to go along for the ride.
Now somebody please turn this into a movie or mini-series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, I REALLY loved this one. 😭
The Mad Widows was such a fun read and honestly had everything I want in a mystery: mysterious deaths, suspicious people, crooked cops, secret clubs, secrets, twists, and a group of slightly unhinged women trying to figure out what the hell is going on. 😂
But what really made this book for me was the VIBE. I loved the combination of murder mystery + grief + comedy. It sounds like it shouldn't work as well as it does, but somehow Scott Moore nailed that balance.
The widows were easily my favorite part. They were messy, funny, imperfect, and SO entertaining. I loved their friendship and the way they showed up for each other while dealing with something as heavy as grief. There was something really refreshing about seeing women who were grieving still being allowed to be funny, chaotic, frustrated, curious, and completely themselves.
And the mystery kept me invested! I was constantly wondering where the story was going and what these women were going to uncover next.
If you like your mysteries with humor, heart, female friendship, and a little bit of chaos, PLEASE put this one on your TBR.
I had SO much fun reading it and would absolutely recommend it. 🖤🔍🍷
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Mad Widows was such a fun read and honestly had everything I want in a mystery: mysterious deaths, suspicious people, crooked cops, secret clubs, secrets, twists, and a group of slightly unhinged women trying to figure out what the hell is going on. 😂
But what really made this book for me was the VIBE. I loved the combination of murder mystery + grief + comedy. It sounds like it shouldn't work as well as it does, but somehow Scott Moore nailed that balance.
The widows were easily my favorite part. They were messy, funny, imperfect, and SO entertaining. I loved their friendship and the way they showed up for each other while dealing with something as heavy as grief. There was something really refreshing about seeing women who were grieving still being allowed to be funny, chaotic, frustrated, curious, and completely themselves.
And the mystery kept me invested! I was constantly wondering where the story was going and what these women were going to uncover next.
If you like your mysteries with humor, heart, female friendship, and a little bit of chaos, PLEASE put this one on your TBR.
I had SO much fun reading it and would absolutely recommend it. 🖤🔍🍷
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Obviously, I had strong suspicions that this book was going to be phenomenal since it was written by #ScottMoore the screenwriter who wrote “BAD MOMS” and “THE HANGOVER”” and those suspicions were absolutely correct.
The humor was laugh out loud ridiculous, these women were so awesome I wanted to instantly be friends with them, their connection, while based off a terribly tragic experience they all unfortunately suffered, widowhood and their grief was very genuine and raw however the sardonically sarcastic humor they share and the witty one liners were epic and made the tragedy of their losses far less heavy and painful turning what could have been a dramatic filled story into an exceptionally AH-mazing one!
I highly recommend this to everyone! What a fun and entertaining story this was and I sincerely hope the author turns it into one of his star studded movies because it will be as unforgettable as this book.
Thank you to #Netgalley for this incredible advanced reading copy and to the brilliant #ScottMoore for the best time I’ve had reading all year! And thank you to #TheGallery publishing company.
The humor was laugh out loud ridiculous, these women were so awesome I wanted to instantly be friends with them, their connection, while based off a terribly tragic experience they all unfortunately suffered, widowhood and their grief was very genuine and raw however the sardonically sarcastic humor they share and the witty one liners were epic and made the tragedy of their losses far less heavy and painful turning what could have been a dramatic filled story into an exceptionally AH-mazing one!
I highly recommend this to everyone! What a fun and entertaining story this was and I sincerely hope the author turns it into one of his star studded movies because it will be as unforgettable as this book.
Thank you to #Netgalley for this incredible advanced reading copy and to the brilliant #ScottMoore for the best time I’ve had reading all year! And thank you to #TheGallery publishing company.
October 28, 2026
“It’s not a switchblade. It’s, I don’t know, a little stabber? It’s not big enough to kill anyone. I don’t think, anyway.”
The town dismisses all three women as mad… hysterical, using their grief and isolation to discredit their suspicions about the tragic events surrounding their husbands. One of our mad widows Clara digs deeper into her husband's death, only to find out that maybe her husbands deaths wasn’t accidental but murder.
Rather than letting themselves be silenced or pushed out, Clara, Maeve, and Ida -the widows- form a secret alliance. They quietly collect evidence, expose the conspiracy, and reclaim their autonomy. Call them mad but they are going to come out on top with nothing to lose they have everything to gain in their investigations
Clara returned to her hometown following the sudden and questionable death of her husband.
Maeve is a stern matriarch whose husband vanished decades earlier.
Ida is a reclusive widow living on the outskirts of town who knows more about the county's dark past than anyone else.
Read
October 7, 2026Fun, funny and lightly enlightening. Four relatively recent widows met in a grief group and formed a bond resulting in at least twice weekly gatherings. After Jenna confesses to seeing her dead husband, the other widows console her and tell her they often think they see their beloveds, but of course it's never true. Then Jenna brings some pretty convincing 'proof' that her husband seems to be still alive. With a mystery to solve, the four widows, especially Kate and Molly, start playing detective. In the process of solving the mystery, Kate, Molly, Jenna and Darlene experience and describe many of the feelings/traumas and conundrums of grieving- and they get themselves mixed up in some crazy stuff! Good story - coming in March 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Scout Press, and Simon & Schuster for this ARC.
I want more of the MAD WIDOWS. I absolutely fell in love with Kate Copeland. I think this was a really great premise. Fighting grief with humor? Friends dealing with the same type of grief and going to the ends of the world for one another. This is a book about dealing with grief, the beauty of unconditional friendship, all wrapped up in a murder mystery. I sincerely hope we get another book in this world.
I also want to share that I was SHOCKED that a man wrote this... He did a great job writing women, which I don't usually feel with male authors. Thank you for this delightful read!!!
I want more of the MAD WIDOWS. I absolutely fell in love with Kate Copeland. I think this was a really great premise. Fighting grief with humor? Friends dealing with the same type of grief and going to the ends of the world for one another. This is a book about dealing with grief, the beauty of unconditional friendship, all wrapped up in a murder mystery. I sincerely hope we get another book in this world.
I also want to share that I was SHOCKED that a man wrote this... He did a great job writing women, which I don't usually feel with male authors. Thank you for this delightful read!!!
October 26, 2026
What a cute, fun read! A lighthearted mystery (though it does address the hard issue of grief) with some great humor. I laughed out loud several times and couldn’t wait to read more.
It also had me guessing throughout the book who was the bad guy and I didn’t suspect who it actually was until the last minute.
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advance copy of this book.
It also had me guessing throughout the book who was the bad guy and I didn’t suspect who it actually was until the last minute.
Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this!! Definitely my kind of book. Funny, sad and a bit of mystery thrown in. Highly recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* thanks to Gallery/Scout Press for the NetGalley review copy (pub date: March 9, 2027)
I didn't find this to be laugh-out-loud funny, but it was an entertaining, quick read and had some solid Finlay Donovan Is Killing It vibes, so I'll be recommending it to fans of that series.
I didn't find this to be laugh-out-loud funny, but it was an entertaining, quick read and had some solid Finlay Donovan Is Killing It vibes, so I'll be recommending it to fans of that series.
October 24, 2026
Suspenseful & humorous! Happy to see this is already in the works to be a TV series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Make sure this one is on your 2027 TBR 💛
Thank you, Gallery Books, for the #gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 3.9.2027
Pages: 320
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.25
Why am I surprised that the creator of The Hangover and Bad Moms wrote a laugh-out-loud, completely relatable, entertaining mystery? But, here I am. Completely surprised at how much fun this book was.
All of the characters felt so incredibly relatable and the grief component was handled with so much care that I honestly found it to be comforting for anyone who is currently facing an unexpected loss.
But, what really took me by surprise is how well this male author was able to write from the female perspective. I’ve read so many books from male authors and I just want to roll my eyes, throw the book across the room and yell “that is not what it’s like”. But, with Mad Widows, I had to keep reminding myself that this male author really understands the female perspective. It was wild how many time I thought “wow, you really get that” and honestly that made the read all that more refreshing.
I think this that Mad Widows will be a hit when it publishes in 2027 and I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks about it.
Read if you enjoy:
Relatable main characters
Laugh-out-loud moments
Complete chaos
Fast and entertaining reads
I absolutely recommend adding this one to your reading list because, I think, it deserves ALL the love. Seriously though, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
______
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Thank you, Gallery Books, for the #gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 3.9.2027
Pages: 320
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.25
Why am I surprised that the creator of The Hangover and Bad Moms wrote a laugh-out-loud, completely relatable, entertaining mystery? But, here I am. Completely surprised at how much fun this book was.
All of the characters felt so incredibly relatable and the grief component was handled with so much care that I honestly found it to be comforting for anyone who is currently facing an unexpected loss.
But, what really took me by surprise is how well this male author was able to write from the female perspective. I’ve read so many books from male authors and I just want to roll my eyes, throw the book across the room and yell “that is not what it’s like”. But, with Mad Widows, I had to keep reminding myself that this male author really understands the female perspective. It was wild how many time I thought “wow, you really get that” and honestly that made the read all that more refreshing.
I think this that Mad Widows will be a hit when it publishes in 2027 and I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks about it.
Read if you enjoy:
Relatable main characters
Laugh-out-loud moments
Complete chaos
Fast and entertaining reads
I absolutely recommend adding this one to your reading list because, I think, it deserves ALL the love. Seriously though, once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Gallery Books for the ARC of The Mad Widows by Scott Moore.
Given that this has already been auctioned for TV rights by MGM, and given Moore's screenwriting success with The Hangover and Bad Moms, I think this will really be a hit with a lot of readers who appreciate fast-moving plots stymied by the hang-ups of the characters in hilarious ways. I think those grieving any sort of loss will also appreciate the care and realistic touch Moore takes to the widows, offering a more serious barrier for the characters to grapple while aspects of the reverse murder mystery and crime solving antics provide comedic relief and tension.
I think what lessened my overall star count compared to so many readers who are loving this novel is that the book is called The Mad Widows, but it is mainly just Kate's story. It is only Kate's perspective. Kate is the one leading on the majority of the reverse murder-mystery crime solving with just a few overlaps or catch-ups at Mean Mugs. I was envisioning something maybe from each widow's perspective and expertise, but this mainly is about Kate's grief, Kate's return to having a dating life, Kate's crime solving ability, and Kate's ability to take risks while having a very supportive group of friends who understand her mental state, and flashbacks on how she connected with everyone. It was still great, but it wasn't quite what I was envisioning based on the description and title. I also wasn't quite expecting the mystery to unfold/advance the way it did -- it's not exactly cozy, but it is funny and all the emotional scenes make it seem cozier than it is, which was a little confusing to my brain but will probably play out much better on the TV screen (maybe ending up as more of a dark comedy?).
It does remind me a little bit of Finlay Donovan, a little bit of Bad Moms -- Moore writes the female friendships really well, and does know how to escalate the tension through both bad things happening and through character absurdity. While I was able to figure out a core aspect of the reverse murder mystery before it was revealed, I didn't quite have all the pieces together, and so that aspect of the story was a lot of fun and does keep you flipping the pages to find out the truth -- the hook definitely goes deep in wanting to know how it all turns out.
Again, while it wasn't quite what I thought it would be, I do think a lot of readers are really going to enjoy it. The notion of "What if my husband isn't dead? was a lot of fun to explore, and the emotional scenes are really well developed, and it is interesting to follow Kate because we know and she knows that she's not at her best but she's trying, which is all any of us can do.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Gallery Books for the ARC of The Mad Widows by Scott Moore.
Given that this has already been auctioned for TV rights by MGM, and given Moore's screenwriting success with The Hangover and Bad Moms, I think this will really be a hit with a lot of readers who appreciate fast-moving plots stymied by the hang-ups of the characters in hilarious ways. I think those grieving any sort of loss will also appreciate the care and realistic touch Moore takes to the widows, offering a more serious barrier for the characters to grapple while aspects of the reverse murder mystery and crime solving antics provide comedic relief and tension.
I think what lessened my overall star count compared to so many readers who are loving this novel is that the book is called The Mad Widows, but it is mainly just Kate's story. It is only Kate's perspective. Kate is the one leading on the majority of the reverse murder-mystery crime solving with just a few overlaps or catch-ups at Mean Mugs. I was envisioning something maybe from each widow's perspective and expertise, but this mainly is about Kate's grief, Kate's return to having a dating life, Kate's crime solving ability, and Kate's ability to take risks while having a very supportive group of friends who understand her mental state, and flashbacks on how she connected with everyone. It was still great, but it wasn't quite what I was envisioning based on the description and title. I also wasn't quite expecting the mystery to unfold/advance the way it did -- it's not exactly cozy, but it is funny and all the emotional scenes make it seem cozier than it is, which was a little confusing to my brain but will probably play out much better on the TV screen (maybe ending up as more of a dark comedy?).
It does remind me a little bit of Finlay Donovan, a little bit of Bad Moms -- Moore writes the female friendships really well, and does know how to escalate the tension through both bad things happening and through character absurdity. While I was able to figure out a core aspect of the reverse murder mystery before it was revealed, I didn't quite have all the pieces together, and so that aspect of the story was a lot of fun and does keep you flipping the pages to find out the truth -- the hook definitely goes deep in wanting to know how it all turns out.
Again, while it wasn't quite what I thought it would be, I do think a lot of readers are really going to enjoy it. The notion of "What if my husband isn't dead? was a lot of fun to explore, and the emotional scenes are really well developed, and it is interesting to follow Kate because we know and she knows that she's not at her best but she's trying, which is all any of us can do.
September 27, 2026
Thank you Gallery Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Mad Widows will take you on a wild ride. It starts slow in the beginning, but soon around chapter four or five. The pace starts to pick up. It was very easy to read this book fast to see what will happen next. Kate Copeland is your average suburban mom and she’s reeling from recently having lost her husband whom she had two kids with. It has been almost a year since she has lost Will. And after we meet Kate, we are introduced to her friends, Darlene, Jenn, and Molly. This group saved her life and so she will help them when they call on her. Then one day it’s Jenn who shares with the group she believes that maybe not all that what appears to be is true. This story is heartbreaking, heart aching, lonely, heartwarming, beautiful and bittersweet but most of all the story is hopeful. We see what happens when people don’t give up on hope. The story is a mystery, a thriller, but most of all I feel as though it’s a love letter to those who are grieving that one can have hope in the middle of grief.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW.. I loved this book!
4 widows going through the agony of loss. When one of the widows swears she saw her dead husband in several places. How could that be? Is she losing it -- or is her late husband still alive?
In walks a cast of characters, a Private Investigator, a Rich Country Club hunk, good cop, bad cop, other widows, bad guys, Russian mobsters. Well, you get the gist.
This was a fun ride and I look forward to reading anything else that Scott Moore writes. He has a delightful way of bringing characters and craziness to life.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy via Netgalley and am so happy that I did!
4 widows going through the agony of loss. When one of the widows swears she saw her dead husband in several places. How could that be? Is she losing it -- or is her late husband still alive?
In walks a cast of characters, a Private Investigator, a Rich Country Club hunk, good cop, bad cop, other widows, bad guys, Russian mobsters. Well, you get the gist.
This was a fun ride and I look forward to reading anything else that Scott Moore writes. He has a delightful way of bringing characters and craziness to life.
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy via Netgalley and am so happy that I did!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Thank you NetGalley, Scout Press, and Scott Moore for the ARC**
4.25/5 stars. Well...that was THOROUGHLY entertaining. You don't find a lot of comedic thrillers, so there is not much to compare it to, but I laughed throughout and found myself invested in the mystery. I was impressed with how in touch Scott Moore was with his inner millennial mom- then realized after he wrote Bad Moms, so that tracks. There was also just a lot of great societal commentary on mom life, grief, the power of female friendships, and the trappings of modern masculinity.
4.25/5 stars. Well...that was THOROUGHLY entertaining. You don't find a lot of comedic thrillers, so there is not much to compare it to, but I laughed throughout and found myself invested in the mystery. I was impressed with how in touch Scott Moore was with his inner millennial mom- then realized after he wrote Bad Moms, so that tracks. There was also just a lot of great societal commentary on mom life, grief, the power of female friendships, and the trappings of modern masculinity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mad Widows by Scott Moore (Mar. 2027)
320-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Dark Comedy
Movie Rating Equivalent: R for adult content
Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟☕️🧋🍷🍬🔍
Featuring: Widow, Single Mother, Bereavement Hallucinations, Titled Chapters, Grief Group, High-End Suburbs, Chicago, Illinois; Friendships, Investigations, Dating, Sex, Chicago Police Department, Deaths, Conveniently Occupied Children, Stalking, Afterward/Author's Note, [Acknowledgments]
Live Status Updates: 🔖Page 204 of 320 [a page into Chapter] 25 The Right Tool - I'm a bit confused over these women's names and statuses and how many kids they have, but other than that it's hilarious.
Vibrant, Fast-Paced, and Totally Hooked: A Hilarious Story That's Better Than a Movie
The Mad Widows is the novel debut for screenwriter Scott Moore, best known for The Hangover and Bad Moms. I have to say, this was far better than his movies—though I may be a bit biased as I prefer books to movies, and The Hangover isn't really my cup of tea.
Set in an affluent suburb of Chicago, we find a quartet of widows who have created their own sisterhood outside of their official grief group, meeting up weekly for coffee and emergency babysitting. When Jenn's grief hallucinations give the appearance that her husband may not be dead after all, Kate is bullied into starting her own investigation as they realize their husbands' deaths may actually be connected.
Despite the hilarious comedy that takes place starting on the very first page, this plot has concrete and teeth. It is an amazing story, and I was hooked on solving the mystery between the moments of laughter. The story reads like a movie—and no, I don't mean the movie that plays in my head whenever I read a book. I mean the quick-witted conversations and dynamic descriptions feel like you're literally moving along a movie set. It's definitely not written like a screenplay (I am familiar with those), but it has a vibrant vibe and strong characterizations that don't require a deep dive to get into.
I started this book near bedtime, and the only reason it wasn't a single-session read was that I needed sleep—which also might explain why I had a hard time distinguishing Kate from Jenn, Beverly, and Molly early on. I absolutely loved it, and I don't care if it stays a standalone masterpiece or becomes a series; it's going to be good either way!
Recommend to others: Absolutely! I hope he is working on his next novel as we speak.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery/Scout Press via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
320-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Dark Comedy
Movie Rating Equivalent: R for adult content
Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟☕️🧋🍷🍬🔍
Featuring: Widow, Single Mother, Bereavement Hallucinations, Titled Chapters, Grief Group, High-End Suburbs, Chicago, Illinois; Friendships, Investigations, Dating, Sex, Chicago Police Department, Deaths, Conveniently Occupied Children, Stalking, Afterward/Author's Note, [Acknowledgments]
Live Status Updates: 🔖Page 204 of 320 [a page into Chapter] 25 The Right Tool - I'm a bit confused over these women's names and statuses and how many kids they have, but other than that it's hilarious.
Vibrant, Fast-Paced, and Totally Hooked: A Hilarious Story That's Better Than a Movie
The Mad Widows is the novel debut for screenwriter Scott Moore, best known for The Hangover and Bad Moms. I have to say, this was far better than his movies—though I may be a bit biased as I prefer books to movies, and The Hangover isn't really my cup of tea.
Set in an affluent suburb of Chicago, we find a quartet of widows who have created their own sisterhood outside of their official grief group, meeting up weekly for coffee and emergency babysitting. When Jenn's grief hallucinations give the appearance that her husband may not be dead after all, Kate is bullied into starting her own investigation as they realize their husbands' deaths may actually be connected.
Despite the hilarious comedy that takes place starting on the very first page, this plot has concrete and teeth. It is an amazing story, and I was hooked on solving the mystery between the moments of laughter. The story reads like a movie—and no, I don't mean the movie that plays in my head whenever I read a book. I mean the quick-witted conversations and dynamic descriptions feel like you're literally moving along a movie set. It's definitely not written like a screenplay (I am familiar with those), but it has a vibrant vibe and strong characterizations that don't require a deep dive to get into.
I started this book near bedtime, and the only reason it wasn't a single-session read was that I needed sleep—which also might explain why I had a hard time distinguishing Kate from Jenn, Beverly, and Molly early on. I absolutely loved it, and I don't care if it stays a standalone masterpiece or becomes a series; it's going to be good either way!
Recommend to others: Absolutely! I hope he is working on his next novel as we speak.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gallery/Scout Press via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A group of widows trying to figure out if one of their dead husbands isn't actually dead? Well, that's definitely a different spin on a murder mystery!
The story follows Kate, a widowed mom of two who's just trying to keep her life together after losing her husband. She's part of a grief support group with three other women, and when one of them believes she's spotted her supposedly dead husband on a security camera, the ladies decide to do a little investigating. And of course, what starts as a simple question turns into a much bigger mess involving secrets, suspicious characters, corruption, and some pretty dangerous situations.
I really liked the premise of this one! It's not your typical thriller, and I enjoyed the mix of mystery, dark humor, and female friendships. These women have been through some serious heartbreak, but they certainly haven't lost their personalities or their ability to get themselves into trouble.
Now, there were definitely some moments when I had to remind myself that this is a book and not real life. You can't take everything too seriously or judge the characters for every questionable decision they make. Although, who am I kidding? I judge fictional characters for their bad decisions ALL the time! There were a few times I wanted to yell, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! But sometimes you just have to go along for the ride and enjoy the chaos.
Knowing Scott Moore is a screenwriter behind The Hangover and Bad Moms, the humor makes sense. The dialogue and banter give this story a different feel from the darker thrillers I usually gravitate toward. I could actually see this being turned into a movie or a limited series.
I do wish we'd gotten a little more character development, especially with some of the other widows. And while I enjoyed the mystery, a few things were a little too convenient or far-fetched for my taste.
Overall, this was a fun change of pace! It's more of a lighthearted mystery with some suspense thrown in than a dark psychological thriller. If you're looking for something entertaining with a little mystery, some laughs, and a group of women making questionable decisions, this might be right up your alley.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advance copy of The Mad Widows in exchange for my honest review!
The story follows Kate, a widowed mom of two who's just trying to keep her life together after losing her husband. She's part of a grief support group with three other women, and when one of them believes she's spotted her supposedly dead husband on a security camera, the ladies decide to do a little investigating. And of course, what starts as a simple question turns into a much bigger mess involving secrets, suspicious characters, corruption, and some pretty dangerous situations.
I really liked the premise of this one! It's not your typical thriller, and I enjoyed the mix of mystery, dark humor, and female friendships. These women have been through some serious heartbreak, but they certainly haven't lost their personalities or their ability to get themselves into trouble.
Now, there were definitely some moments when I had to remind myself that this is a book and not real life. You can't take everything too seriously or judge the characters for every questionable decision they make. Although, who am I kidding? I judge fictional characters for their bad decisions ALL the time! There were a few times I wanted to yell, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! But sometimes you just have to go along for the ride and enjoy the chaos.
Knowing Scott Moore is a screenwriter behind The Hangover and Bad Moms, the humor makes sense. The dialogue and banter give this story a different feel from the darker thrillers I usually gravitate toward. I could actually see this being turned into a movie or a limited series.
I do wish we'd gotten a little more character development, especially with some of the other widows. And while I enjoyed the mystery, a few things were a little too convenient or far-fetched for my taste.
Overall, this was a fun change of pace! It's more of a lighthearted mystery with some suspense thrown in than a dark psychological thriller. If you're looking for something entertaining with a little mystery, some laughs, and a group of women making questionable decisions, this might be right up your alley.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advance copy of The Mad Widows in exchange for my honest review!
September 2, 2026
The Mad Widows is such a fun, unexpected read! Scott Moore takes the difficult subject of grief and somehow turns it into the foundation for a story filled with humor, friendship, mystery, and plenty of chaos.
A group of widows who meet through a bereavement group discover that one of their husbands might not actually be dead. What follows is a wonderfully unconventional “reverse murder mystery” that has the women chasing clues, questioning everything they thought they knew, and getting themselves into situations that are both hilarious and dangerous.
I really loved the womanhood and friendship. The friendship felt genuine, imperfect, hilarious, and, most importantly, supportive. Kate is relatable, funny, chaotic, and messy in a way that makes you immediately root for her. Jen has such a sweet, innocent, and endearing quality that makes her impossible not to love. Molly is hysterical, bold, and brave, and Darlene has this aloof, dry sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing. They are all so different, but somehow that’s exactly what makes them work so well together.
What I also really appreciated was how Scott Moore manages to balance the dark humor with the grief that comes with losing a spouse. Beneath all the chaos and humor, there is a very real story about learning how to navigate a completely different world after your spouse passes away. There’s sadness, uncertainty, anger, loneliness, and the struggle to figure out who you are now—and somehow the humor makes those heavier moments feel a little more bearable.
This book had me laughing, but it also made me think about grief, friendship, and the ways people find their way forward after loss.
If you enjoy dark humor, strong female friendships, mystery, and characters who feel wonderfully imperfect and real, I would definitely pick up ‘The Mad Widows’.
A group of widows who meet through a bereavement group discover that one of their husbands might not actually be dead. What follows is a wonderfully unconventional “reverse murder mystery” that has the women chasing clues, questioning everything they thought they knew, and getting themselves into situations that are both hilarious and dangerous.
I really loved the womanhood and friendship. The friendship felt genuine, imperfect, hilarious, and, most importantly, supportive. Kate is relatable, funny, chaotic, and messy in a way that makes you immediately root for her. Jen has such a sweet, innocent, and endearing quality that makes her impossible not to love. Molly is hysterical, bold, and brave, and Darlene has this aloof, dry sense of humor and impeccable comedic timing. They are all so different, but somehow that’s exactly what makes them work so well together.
What I also really appreciated was how Scott Moore manages to balance the dark humor with the grief that comes with losing a spouse. Beneath all the chaos and humor, there is a very real story about learning how to navigate a completely different world after your spouse passes away. There’s sadness, uncertainty, anger, loneliness, and the struggle to figure out who you are now—and somehow the humor makes those heavier moments feel a little more bearable.
This book had me laughing, but it also made me think about grief, friendship, and the ways people find their way forward after loss.
If you enjoy dark humor, strong female friendships, mystery, and characters who feel wonderfully imperfect and real, I would definitely pick up ‘The Mad Widows’.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kate Copeland is a widowed mother of two who is barely keeping it together after the loss of her husband. Her close knit group of widows has become a lifeline, but when one of the women begins to suspect her husband may not actually be dead, the group finds themselves investigating a possible faked death. What starts as a search for answers turns into an adventure involving wealthy clubs, private investigators, and dangerous criminals, and Kate begins to wonder whether her own husband could still be alive.
Scott Moore is the screenwriter behind The Hangover and Bad Moms, and you can definitely feel that fun energy in this book. I love stories about friends who find each other because of where they are in life, and this unlikely group of women was such a highlight for me.
This book brought a lot of feels. It did such a good job portraying the hellish journey of grief, but also how much of a difference it makes to have people by your side who understand what you’re going through and won’t judge you. The friendships felt so important, and I loved that the story made room for both the painful and the joyful parts of life after loss.
While grief is at the heart of the story, there is plenty of comedy and adventure as well. The women’s unconventional attempts at amateur detective work made for some entertaining situations, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time.
I read this in about 48 hours because I wanted to solve the mystery and see how this unlikely group of friends would fare as detectives. It was funny, heartfelt, and full of adventure, with a mystery that kept me turning the pages.
Definitely recommend this one, especially if you enjoy a mystery with a strong found-family element and a lot of heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Scott Moore is the screenwriter behind The Hangover and Bad Moms, and you can definitely feel that fun energy in this book. I love stories about friends who find each other because of where they are in life, and this unlikely group of women was such a highlight for me.
This book brought a lot of feels. It did such a good job portraying the hellish journey of grief, but also how much of a difference it makes to have people by your side who understand what you’re going through and won’t judge you. The friendships felt so important, and I loved that the story made room for both the painful and the joyful parts of life after loss.
While grief is at the heart of the story, there is plenty of comedy and adventure as well. The women’s unconventional attempts at amateur detective work made for some entertaining situations, and I found myself rooting for them the entire time.
I read this in about 48 hours because I wanted to solve the mystery and see how this unlikely group of friends would fare as detectives. It was funny, heartfelt, and full of adventure, with a mystery that kept me turning the pages.
Definitely recommend this one, especially if you enjoy a mystery with a strong found-family element and a lot of heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Mad Widows by Scott Moore
Okay, this book was FUN. 😂
A group of widows getting together for coffee and wine is one thing. A group of widows deciding that one of their supposedly dead husbands might actually be alive and then basically turning themselves into amateur detectives? 😂 Well… obviously I had to keep reading.
I loved the friendship between these women. They’re grieving, trying to keep their lives together, and then somehow find themselves sneaking around, following clues, meeting suspicious people, and getting involved with private investigators and criminals. Because apparently grief comes with a side of terrible decision-making. 🤣
Kate was especially relatable. She’s exhausted, overwhelmed, trying to parent, and barely keeping her life together—and then decides, “You know what my life needs? A potentially dangerous investigation into whether my dead husband is actually alive.” Girl. 😳
The mystery kept me guessing, and I definitely had moments where I thought I had things figured out… only to realize I absolutely did not. There were also plenty of moments where I wanted to yell, “PLEASE STOP DOING THAT!” but of course they didn’t, because then we wouldn’t have a book. 😂
I also liked that underneath all the chaos, there was a lot of heart. The friendships, grief, starting over, and figuring out what life looks like after losing someone gave the story more depth than I expected.
Was everything perfectly believable? Nope. Did I care? Also nope. I was having too much fun watching these women get themselves into increasingly ridiculous situations.
Overall, a funny, twisty, slightly unhinged mystery with a great group of women, questionable choices, and just enough heart to balance out all the chaos.
4 stars! 🍷🔍
And honestly, if my friends ever suggest a wine night and say, “We have something to investigate,” I’m probably going. 😂
The Mad Widows by Scott Moore
Okay, this book was FUN. 😂
A group of widows getting together for coffee and wine is one thing. A group of widows deciding that one of their supposedly dead husbands might actually be alive and then basically turning themselves into amateur detectives? 😂 Well… obviously I had to keep reading.
I loved the friendship between these women. They’re grieving, trying to keep their lives together, and then somehow find themselves sneaking around, following clues, meeting suspicious people, and getting involved with private investigators and criminals. Because apparently grief comes with a side of terrible decision-making. 🤣
Kate was especially relatable. She’s exhausted, overwhelmed, trying to parent, and barely keeping her life together—and then decides, “You know what my life needs? A potentially dangerous investigation into whether my dead husband is actually alive.” Girl. 😳
The mystery kept me guessing, and I definitely had moments where I thought I had things figured out… only to realize I absolutely did not. There were also plenty of moments where I wanted to yell, “PLEASE STOP DOING THAT!” but of course they didn’t, because then we wouldn’t have a book. 😂
I also liked that underneath all the chaos, there was a lot of heart. The friendships, grief, starting over, and figuring out what life looks like after losing someone gave the story more depth than I expected.
Was everything perfectly believable? Nope. Did I care? Also nope. I was having too much fun watching these women get themselves into increasingly ridiculous situations.
Overall, a funny, twisty, slightly unhinged mystery with a great group of women, questionable choices, and just enough heart to balance out all the chaos.
4 stars! 🍷🔍
And honestly, if my friends ever suggest a wine night and say, “We have something to investigate,” I’m probably going. 😂
October 18, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for an ARC of this book to review.
People don’t come back from the dead. At least, that’s what Kate Copeland tries to make herself believe after she thinks she spots her dead husband at the airport baggage claim. But unbeknownst to Kate, sometimes “dead” people really do return.
Mad Widows by Scott Moore follows four widows; Kate, Molly, Jenn, and Darlene, as they try to cope with the loss of their husbands. But when one of them begins to suspect that her husband might not actually be dead, their grief circle turns into an impromptu detective agency as the women try to figure out what the heck is going on.
Mad Widows is perfect for anyone looking for a fun mystery. Admittedly, when I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be about widows going mad in the sense of doing illegal things. But we all know how complicated grief can be, so imagine that intensity ramping up as four women try to solve the mystery of a husband who may or may not be dead. In that sense, calling these women “mad” isn’t too far off! Throw in romance, Ponzi schemes, arson, and murder, and you’ve got a story that offers way more than you might expect. Trust me, you will not see the ending coming! I pride myself on being pretty good at sniffing out the culprit before a mystery ends, but every single one of my guesses was wrong. I love when a book manages to surprise me like that.
My only real complaint? I wanted more of Jack and Kate! I could easily see them teaming up as a dynamic duo. He has an eye for crime, while she has a knack for spotting resale treasures. Together, they could make one entertaining crime-solving team, and I’d happily read more of their adventures.
If you’re looking for a fun, quick read packed with mystery, intrigue, and a little comedy, you’re going to really enjoy Mad Widows
People don’t come back from the dead. At least, that’s what Kate Copeland tries to make herself believe after she thinks she spots her dead husband at the airport baggage claim. But unbeknownst to Kate, sometimes “dead” people really do return.
Mad Widows by Scott Moore follows four widows; Kate, Molly, Jenn, and Darlene, as they try to cope with the loss of their husbands. But when one of them begins to suspect that her husband might not actually be dead, their grief circle turns into an impromptu detective agency as the women try to figure out what the heck is going on.
Mad Widows is perfect for anyone looking for a fun mystery. Admittedly, when I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be about widows going mad in the sense of doing illegal things. But we all know how complicated grief can be, so imagine that intensity ramping up as four women try to solve the mystery of a husband who may or may not be dead. In that sense, calling these women “mad” isn’t too far off! Throw in romance, Ponzi schemes, arson, and murder, and you’ve got a story that offers way more than you might expect. Trust me, you will not see the ending coming! I pride myself on being pretty good at sniffing out the culprit before a mystery ends, but every single one of my guesses was wrong. I love when a book manages to surprise me like that.
My only real complaint? I wanted more of Jack and Kate! I could easily see them teaming up as a dynamic duo. He has an eye for crime, while she has a knack for spotting resale treasures. Together, they could make one entertaining crime-solving team, and I’d happily read more of their adventures.
If you’re looking for a fun, quick read packed with mystery, intrigue, and a little comedy, you’re going to really enjoy Mad Widows
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC of The Mad Widows.
3.5/5
A reverse mystery was what really piqued my interest. We know who’s “dead,” but are they really?
What I really enjoyed about this book was the humor. We obviously know from the title that the main characters have lost someone very important to them, but even through the grief, our main character, Kate, still has a great sense of humor. You can definitely tell this was written by someone who worked on Bad Moms, it has that same kind of humor and energy.
Our mystery centers around the widows in the group, specifically Jenn, who believes her husband’s death never really happened. She’s had sightings of him, along with other things that make her question whether he actually died. Kate takes it upon herself to look into whether Jenn’s husband really passed away or if he possibly faked his own death.
I really enjoyed the investigation into the secret clubs, and I also liked the different side characters and how they each provided pieces of information that helped move the investigation along.
While dealing with this investigation, Kate herself starts experiencing things that point to her husband possibly being alive as well, which starts to throw her off a little.
This is where the book lost me a bit (although I still enjoyed it): the reveal of who was behind everything. Once it was explained, it made sense why that person was involved, but personally, I didn’t feel like there were enough clues pointing to them being behind everything. The reveal felt a little out of left field for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! I think it would make a great TV show. It has great friendships, plenty of humor, and a fun mystery that kept me interested.
3.5/5
A reverse mystery was what really piqued my interest. We know who’s “dead,” but are they really?
What I really enjoyed about this book was the humor. We obviously know from the title that the main characters have lost someone very important to them, but even through the grief, our main character, Kate, still has a great sense of humor. You can definitely tell this was written by someone who worked on Bad Moms, it has that same kind of humor and energy.
Our mystery centers around the widows in the group, specifically Jenn, who believes her husband’s death never really happened. She’s had sightings of him, along with other things that make her question whether he actually died. Kate takes it upon herself to look into whether Jenn’s husband really passed away or if he possibly faked his own death.
I really enjoyed the investigation into the secret clubs, and I also liked the different side characters and how they each provided pieces of information that helped move the investigation along.
While dealing with this investigation, Kate herself starts experiencing things that point to her husband possibly being alive as well, which starts to throw her off a little.
This is where the book lost me a bit (although I still enjoyed it): the reveal of who was behind everything. Once it was explained, it made sense why that person was involved, but personally, I didn’t feel like there were enough clues pointing to them being behind everything. The reveal felt a little out of left field for me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! I think it would make a great TV show. It has great friendships, plenty of humor, and a fun mystery that kept me interested.
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